Leon County is Entering World Championship Era

By Christian Caban

Leon County is stepping into a bold new era of sports—one that secures our reputation as the world’s undisputed Capital of Cross Country. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, our community will open its arms to the world as we welcome the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 to Leon County’s Apalachee Regional Park (ARP).

Essentially the Olympics of the sport of cross country, this event marks the very first world championship sporting event ever to be held in Leon County.

When more than 500 elite athletes representing 65 countries arrive to chase world titles, it will mark a milestone over 15 years in the making—and a moment that will define Leon County’s legacy as a destination capable of hosting the world’s most prestigious sports competitions. This moment did not happen overnight. It is the result of vision, persistence, and collaboration that began in 2009 with an idea and a belief: that our community could build a world-class cross-country venue unlike anything in the nation.

Leon County invested in that vision at Apalachee Regional Park, and now the world’s greatest athletes are coming here to make history in our community. 

For this championship event, Leon County government’s tourism team, Visit Tallahassee, leveraged the strength of Florida’s global brand: sunshine, blue waters, natural landscapes, and world-renowned attractions.

The world championship course itself is a tribute to Florida’s natural beauty. There will be six custom-designed elements that bring Tallahassee, Leon County and Florida’s identity to life: a replica of our historic Capitol building; a rollercoaster honoring the state’s world-famous attractions; a sand pit representing 100 miles of coastline; a water feature symbolizing Florida’s oceans, springs, lakes, and rivers; Alligator Alley, where runners will navigate alligator-shaped logs carved from fallen trees at Apalachee Regional Park; and a mud section paying homage to the Florida Everglades.

As one of the most important international sporting events to be held in the U.S.A. in 2026, this is Leon County’s chance to put our best foot forward. Thousands of spectators, coaches, officials, and fans will travel from around the world, generating an estimated $4.3 million in economic impact. From hotels and restaurants to attractions, shops, and both large and small businesses, the community will feel the energy and economic lift.

We also want our residents to be at the heart of this moment. We invite everyone to join us for all the action—come see the championship races of the world’s fastest runners and, better yet, put a team together and join the Worlds Fun Run: Florida Edition. Choose the 2K or 4K, and all finishers receive a spectacular medal. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast in 70 countries worldwide on NBC/Peacock, showcasing Leon County to millions of viewers.

A portion of event proceeds will support Leon County Schools’ cross country and track & field programs, ensuring the next generation of runners benefit from this global stage. When you buy a ticket or register a team, you’re not just watching history—you’re investing in our kids and our local economy.

And there’s more. On Sunday following the World Championships, Tallahassee will host the USA Track & Field Club Cross Country Championships, bringing in hundreds more athletes and teams for a weekend that will further elevate our destination and showcase our capacity to host premier sporting events.

Here’s how to get involved:

• Purchase spectator tickets to experience the fastest runners on the planet race for a world title.
• Register for the Worlds Fun Run: Florida Edition. Families, community groups, schools, and businesses are encouraged to form teams and participate in the 2K or 4K.

January 10, 2026, is our moment. The course is ready. Leon County is ready. And together, we will welcome the world to Leon County.

Learn more about the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26, purchase tickets, and join the excitement at VisitTallahassee.com/WXC26.

Christian Caban was elected to the Leon County Commission to represent District 2 in 2022 and currently serves as 2025-2026 chairman.